For a dedicated group of law students from across Ohio, summer offers a break from classes and an opportunity to gain real-world experience at some of the state’s civil legal service providers. The Foundation’s Justice for All Summer Clerk Program, now in its sixth year, provides funding for law students to expand opportunities in civil legal services.

“It’s been encouraging to see a consistent stream of students interested in public service,” said Camille Gill, programs and grants counsel at the Foundation. “We’re proud to offer a program that helps prepare students for a career in law while improving access to justice for Ohioans in need.”

Part of the Justice for All Summer Clerk Program includes an event coordinated by the Foundation and hosted by Barnes & Thornburg LLC at its Columbus office. The Summer Clerkship Panel features attorneys from across the legal industry, offering clerks the opportunity to network with established professionals and with one another.

“Barnes & Thornburg has been an incredible partner in coordinating the panel,” Gill said. “It’s a special experience for the summer clerks to visit their beautiful space and to learn from their attorneys’ expertise.”

This year’s panelists were Nicholas Barnes, partner at Williams & Strohm, LLC; Blaique Brown, associate at Barnes & Thornburg; Russell Hauser, staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland; and Natalie McLaughlin, partner at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. The panelists covered topics including how to maximize the benefits of a summer clerkship, common challenges faced by clerks, and how a summer clerkship can inform future career decisions.

Hauser, who is also a former Foundation Justice for All Fellow, offered the critical piece of advice to be intentional and take advantage of any opportunities to learn and gain new skills.

“Showing initiative goes a long way,” Hauser said. “The most successful clerks take pride in their work, are always reliable, and never hesitate to ask questions about new topics. Simply putting in the effort will go a long way toward making your summer a positive experience.”

The 2025 Justice for All Summer Clerks are:

  • Neil Agarwal, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
  • Joshua Brown, LegalWorks
  • Hannah Jawed, Pro Seniors
  • Finn Li, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation
  • Phoenix Nash, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
  • Abraham Nassif, Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio
  • Douglas Pennington, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality
  • Michele Reynolds, Ohio Access to Justice Foundation
  • Nina Vaccaro, Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati
  • Ethan Wigal, Equality Ohio

Justice for All Summer Clerks are law students funded by the Foundation working across Ohio to support civil legal services. Learn more on the Foundation’s website.